Spanish Exploration of the Western Hemisphere

Spanish explorers, sponsored by European countries, were driven by trade, wealth, and religion to explore the Western Hemisphere. Columbus's 1492 voyage aimed to find new trade routes to Asia but led to the discovery of the Americas. The allure of gold, including myths like El Dorado, motivated further exploration. Religion played a significant role, with missionaries seeking to spread Christianity and others escaping persecution. European nations competed for power and resources through colonization, shaping the Americas' history.

What were some of the main motivations for Spanish explorers to venture into the Western Hemisphere?

How did Christopher Columbus's journey in 1492 change the course of history?

What was the significance of the legend of El Dorado in the context of exploration?

What role did religion play in the motivations of Spanish explorers?

In what ways did European competition for wealth and power influence their explorations?